PRESS BRIEFING

Wednesday, 30 July 2003

A G E N D A

1. BROADCAST BILL

2. PARLIAMENT

3. VENDORS IN GEORGETOWN

4. BRAZIL VISIT/COOPERATION

5. COMMUNIQUÉ: WEEK 12

BROADCAST BILL

The Leader of the opposition has been sent a copy of the Draft Broadcasting Bill

Copies are being dispatched to stake holders prior to the commencement of the Consultative Process as outlined in the Communiqué and its follow-up agreement.

The Draft will be publicised nationally and also placed on the website of the Government Information Agency for access.

The Bill will be introduced in Parliament by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds after the consultation and possible amendments.

VENDORS IN GEORGETOWN

THE NEW Vendors Arcade would be at the former Toolsie Persaud Ltd. site on Water Street.

The High Court made its ruling on legal matters whose hearing delayed the implementation of President Jagdeo’s initiative of 2002 to relocate the street vendors.

The Georgetown Mayor and City Council will now be in a much better position both in terms of alternative placement and morally to aggressively control vending on city streets.

The facility is centrally placed in the downtown commercial area, a very significant factor for the vendors competing for sales with such other.

The Administration expect the vendors to desist from returning to the streets as before and the Georgetown Municipality should be held accountable on that score.

BRAZIL VISIT/COOPERATION

President Jagdeo’s visit to Brazil continues bilateral efforts by both Administrations to develop greater cooperation in mutually recognised areas.

On the diplomatic front, Guyana has now agreed to Lethem being the site of the Brazilian consulate and not a Honorary Consulate.

Guyana has already appointed a Honorary Consul in Boa Vista.

In the area of infrastructure, attention is mutual on the road to Lethem and the Deep Water Harbour.

Both in the public and private section the two infrastructural projects are receiving heightened attention and Development Aid for the IFI is being pursued.

President Jagdeo’s trip would be seeking to further cement the bilateral ties.